PHYSICAL THERAPY IN DISABILITY PREVENTION IN LONG-LIVED PERSONS

The aim: To evaluate physical therapy in the prevention of disability in long-lived persons.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted over a period of 4 months in a group of 27 patients treated at the Residential Care Facility in Szydłowiec. Most patients were over the age of 90 years (68%), with a mean age of 88 years. They underwent physical therapy cycles and their functional status was doc¬umented. Physical therapy included selected physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy methods adjusted to the physical fitness of each patient. Treatment efficacy was monitored using the standardised ADL and Barthel Index scales, which allowed for functional status assessments.

Results: The study found that physical therapy improved physical fitness in study patients after 4 months. Appropriate physical therapy and rehabilitation conducted in this group of patients helped considerably improve their objective and subjective condition, including their functional status and degree of independence.

Conclusions:1. Chronic musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous system and other disorders are an important aspect of old age. 2. Appropriate physical therapy and rehabilitation in this group of patients helps considerably improve their objective and subjective condition, including their functional status. 3. Providing appropriate care for the elderly is a challenge for healthcare systems.